Apple has told a judge that it's impossible for the company to access data on a locked iPhone running iOS 8 or higher but that it has the 'technical ability' to unlock older phones, reports Reuters.

The U.S. Justice Department asked the court to force Apple to help authorities access a seized iPhone. Before making a decision, Apple was asked if it technically could access the data. The company said that the request "would be impossible to perform" on 90% of devices.

Apple told U.S. Magistrate Judge James Orenstein it could access the 10 percent of its devices that continue to use older systems, including the one at issue in the case. But it urged the judge to not require it to comply with the Justice Department's request.

"Forcing Apple to extract data in this case, absent clear legal authority to do so, could threaten the trust between Apple and its customers and substantially tarnish the Apple brand," Apple's lawyers wrote.

I think they should help... Screw all this mega encryption. Do you think it's right a paedophile or terrorist or serious criminal can lock the evidence away from law enforcement. Can't believe people are stupid enough to think the government gives a crap about pictures of your missus, email or Facebook logins.. How self centred to think you are so important someone can be bothered to investigate you for no reason.. Sorry but a legal framework for restricted access for serious crime investigation needs to be available to ensure everyone has protected liberties. It's a balance..

If I remember correctly all the jb's for iOS 8 & 9 require find my iPhone and passcode must be turned off or else it won't work so looks secure to me. Oh, and airplane mode must be enabled in most of them. Anyway around all that?

I applaud Apple for stepping up and having balls to do that. Our government and shady NSA want to take away the little privacy we have left. They will do whatever it takes to make that happen. Even if means they have to publicly and secretly threaten Apple.